Measuring Multipath Error of a Pseudo Quasi-Zenith Satellite

Japan has been investigating a new satellite based positioning system called Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). Since the improvement of positioning availability in urban area is one of the most important advantages of the QZSS, multipath mitigation is a key factor for the QZSS positioning system. Therefore, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and GNSS Inc. have commenced the R&D of a pseudolite, which transmits the next-generation signal such as BOC(1,1), in order to evaluate the effect of multipath on the new signal. A prototype BOC pseudolite was developed in 2005, and ground tests showed a capability of generating proper pseudorange. Also, preliminary flight experiments using a pseudo quasi-zenith satellite, a helicopter on which the pseudolite is installed, were conducted in early 2006, and the BOC-type correlation function was monitored in real time.